"I DOUBT . . . IF A WOMAN COULD BE AN ADMIRAL" ROOSEVELT, ELEANOR. Typed Letter Signed, to Dorothy Riggle, encouraging her to pursue the promotion she thinks she deserves, but expressing doubt that a woman could become an admiral. 1 page, square 8vo, personal stationery; horizontal fold. With the original envelope. New York, 29 January 1962 ". . . There is, of course, no harm in trying to get your promotion which you feel you have earned.
"I doubt, however, if a woman could be an Admiral. Even if women go into the Armed Services they must expect to be limited in promotion. However, the President's Commission on the Status of Women is going to study this question and report on it."
On April 26, 1972, Alene B. Duerk became the first woman to serve as rear admiral in the U.S. Navy. The first woman to advance to the rank of four-star admiral was Michelle Howard, who received her promotion on July 1, 2014--over fifty years after the present letter was written.